What is LED lighting?
LED stands for ‘Light Emitting Diode’. LED lights are the latest technology in energy efficient lighting and they are by far the most power saving and smart lighting option available.
What are the benefits of LED lighting?
Lower power consumption. LEDs use approximately 85% less energy than halogen or incandescent lights and about 5% less energy than compact fluorescent globes. A 9 watt LED can give the same result as a 50 watt halogen, which saves you money thanks to their energy saving properties.
Longer lifespan. LED lights have a much longer lifespan than other types of lighting – see the table below.
| Lighting technology | Estimated lifespan* |
| LED | 30,000-50,000 hours |
| CFL | 8,000-15,000 hours |
| Halogen | 1,000-5,000 hours |
| Incandescent | 1,000 hours |
| *Depending on the globe | Source: www.beaconlighting.com.au | |
LED lights can also be switched on and off frequently without affecting the LED’s lifetime where traditional lighting’s operational life expectancy is drastically reduced by frequent on/off switching.
LEDs also differ from standard lighting as they do not burn out and stop working rather they emit lower output levels, becoming less bright over a period of time.
Ecologically friendly. LEDS are free of toxic chemicals and are 100% recyclable. Where most conventional fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury or lead that are dangerous for the environment.
Emit no UV rays or infrared radiation which makes LED lighting a suitable option for objects and materials that are sensitive to heat and UV.
Flexibility of design. LEDs can deliver light more efficiently to a desired location; they can also be dimmed to control the colour and light distribution. A combined LED system can create amazing lighting effects not just for the eye but also the mood and the mind.
Compact and durable design. LEDS are built with solid components which provide resistance to rough conditions such as exposure to extreme weather, vibrations and external impacts.
Instant lighting is achieved with LEDs as they reach full brightness instantly in comparison to traditional lighting which can take several seconds to reach full brightness.
Operational in cold temperatures such as outdoor winter settings or freezers without the extreme settings impacting on the operation of the light.
Safer alternative as they operate at a much lower temperatures, so they are cooler to touch making them a safer option than halogens.
A low-voltage power supply is amble for LED lighting which makes them a good choice for outdoor settings and is a big advantage in remote or rural areas. You can even connect to an external solar-energy source!